Post-pay fuel dispensing systems

ABSTRACT

A post-pay fuel dispensing system in which a fuel dispensing unit is under the remote control of a control console. The dispensing unit is operated by the customer and payment for the fuel dispensed is made after the fuel has been received. Data concerning the amount of fuel dispensed and the cost thereof is transmitted from the dispensing unit to the control console and payment is made at that point. According to the present invention, the dispensing unit is prepared for operation by the taking of certain enabling steps at the control console and thereafter fuel can be withdrawn from the dispensing unit. A particular feature of the present invention is to be found in the fact that the control system for the dispensing unit is not locked-in until the dispensing of fuel is commenced. Thus, if there is improper operation of the switches at the dispensing unit, the operator at the control console does not need again to enable the unit until after the dispensing of fuel commences. Once the dispensing of fuel commences the unit becomes locked-in and becomes disabled upon the individual at the dispensing pump again returning the control switch thereon to &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;off&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; position and hanging up the dispensing nozzle.

United States Patent [191 May [ POST-PAY FUEL DISPENSING SYSTEMS [75]Inventor: Larry A. May, Jonesboro, Tenn.

[73] Assignee: Keene Corporation, New York,

22 Filed: Sept. 4, 1973 [21] Appl.No.:393,991

[52] US. Cl 222/33, 222/16, 222/34, 235/94 A, 235/15l.34 [51] Int. Cl..l G06f 7/38 [58] Field of Search 222/14-20, 222/32-35; 235/94 A, 15134[56] References Cited UNlTED STATES PATENTS 3,735,897 5/1973 May 222/163,773,219 11/1973 lrie et al. 222/l4 X Primary ExaminerRobert B. ReevesAssistant ExaminerDavid A. Scherbel Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Albert L.Jeffers; Roger M. Rickert 1 Jan. 7, 1975 [57] ABSTRACT console. Thedispensing unit is operated by the cus-.

tomer and payment for the fuel dispensed is made after the fuel has beenreceived. Data concerning the amount of fuel dispensed and the costthereof is transmitted from the dispensing unit to the control consoleand payment is made at that point. According to the present invention,the dispensing unit is prepared for operation by the taking of certainenabling steps at the control console and thereafter fuel can bewithdrawn from the dispensing unit. A particular feature of the presentinvention is to be found in the fact that the control system for thedispensing unit is not locked-in until the dispensing of fuel iscommenced. Thus, if there is improper operation of the switches at thedispensing unit, the operator at the control console does not need againto enable the unit until after the dispensing of fuel commences. Oncethe dispensing of fuel commences the unit becomes locked-in and becomesdisabled upon the individual at the dispensing pump again returning thecontrol switch thereon to off position and hanging up the dispensingnozzle.

13 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures PATENTED JAN 71975 SHEET P. 0F

POST-PAY FUEL DISPENSING SYSTEMS The present invention relates to fueldispensing systerns and, in particular, to remotely controlled fueldispensing systems, especially, of the post-pay type. In fuel dispensingsystems of the post-pay type, a remote control console is provided whichcontrols a number of fuel dispensing units. A unit is enabled fordispensing fuelby the manipulation of switches in the control consoleand, after fuel is withdrawn from a given dispensing unit and thedispensing operation is terminated, the unit becomes disabled untilagain enabled at the control console. The cost of the fuel dispensed,and the quantity thereof, is transmitted to the control console andpayment is made at the control console, or some other suitable station.This arrangement permits a great many fuel dispensing units to becontrolled by a single operator and also provides security for theoperator.

A particular defect with post-pay systems according to the prior art wasthat once a unit was enabled for dispensing fuel by the operator in thecontrol console, an error in placing the unit in operation by theindividual drawing fuel therefrom could disrupt the interlock betweenthe console and the respective dispensing unit thus requiring theoperator at the control console to 'take steps again to enable thedispensing unit. This is accomplished by actuation of a momentary switchand it has been the case, at times, that the momentary switch wasactuated so rapidly that, although the respective dispensing unit wasenabled, the counters were not returned to zero. The present inventionis also concerned with an arrangement for insuring that the counters atthe control console will go to zero whenever the respective dispensingunit is enabled.

With the foregoing in mind, a particular object of the present inventionis a provision-of a post-pay fuel dispensing system which requiresreduced attention on the part of the controlling operator at the consoleof the system. I

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a post-payfuel dispensing system operated from a central console in which adispensing unit, once enabled by the operator at the console, willremain enabled until the dispensing of fuel therefrom is commenced andwill then become interlocked with the control elements in the console insuch a manner that the unit will become disabled at the end of the' fueldispensing operation. I

A further object of the present invention is a provision of a post-paysystem under the control of a remote console in which, once a dispensingunit is enabled for dispensing fuel, in will remain enabled even thoughthe individual at the lispensing purnp cornrnits errors in respect ofadjusting switches and the like prior to commencing the dispensingoperation.

Still another object of the present invention is the provision of anarrangement which will prevent the cost and quantity indicators at thecontrol console from developing false readings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, one,or more, dispensing units for fuel are provided and are interconnectedwith a remote control console by an electrical control system. Adispensing unit is enabled for dispensing fuel by the'manipulation of arespective m0- mentary control switch at the control console when theoperator at the console determines that it is desired to withdraw fuelfrom a respective unit. Thereafter, the

customer desiring to withdraw fuel at the respective dispensing unitoperates a switch on the unit and also makes a connection from thedispensing unit to the receiving tank as by placing the dispensingnozzle of the unit in the fill opening of the tank. According to thepresent invention, any error in manipulating the switch on the unit suchas accidentally turning the switch of after it is turned on does notdestroy the enabling of the respective unit but, rather, the unit willre main in enabled condition until the dispensing of fuel therefrom isinitiated.

Once the dispensing of fuel is initiated, the cost of the fuel, and,preferably, the quantity thereof is fed back to the control console inthe form of electric pulses which actuate respective counters at thecontrol console. The initial pulse of the value amount of the fuel beingdispensed at the dispensing unit adjusts the control circuit in theconsole in such a manner that interruption of the fuel delivery andmovement of the switch on the unit to off position will disable thedispensing unit. The unit cannot thereafter again be enabled until therespective enabling switch in the control console is again operated bythe remote operator.

The arrangement of the present invention prevents accidental disablingof the dispensing unit by the individual wihdrawing fuel therefrom andthus relieves the operator in the control console from continuously ob-.serving all of the dispensing units and taking steps to re-enabledispensing units which are accidentally disabled.

It has proved to be of considerable advantage to control the dispensingunits in the described manner because, heretofore, it hasoften been thecase that an individual withdrawing fuel from a dispensing unit couldaccidentally manipulate the control switch at the dispensing unit in animproper manner. By the arrangement of the present invention all suchimproper manipulations of the switch are compensated for because theinterlock of the dispensing pump with the control system at the consoleis adjusted at the time the first money pulse is received at the consoleto lock-in the respective unit. The adjustment of the control elementsof the console by the first value, or money pulse is such that once thedispensing of fuel from the respective dispensing unit is interrupted,the dispensing unit must again be enabled by the operator at the consoleto permit further fuel dispensing therefrom.

The value of the fuel dispensed from a respective dispensing unit and,preferably, the quantity are registered on counters at the controlconsole by electric pulses received from the unit. A reset coil in thecontrol console resets the counters to zero when the respectivedispensing unit is enabled. To insure energization of the reset coil forample length of time to effect resetting of the counters, a capacitor isprovided which is connected to a source of charging voltage prior toenabling of a dispensing unit, and which is connected across the resetcoil when'the unit is again enabled. False readings on DETAILEDDESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1 schematically illustrates aninstallation according to the present invention. In FIG. 1 there isshown a single dispensing unit at although it will be understood that,in general, there would be several dispensing units distributed in thedispensing region. The

dispensing units are connected with a remote console or control station12 which is connected to the respective dispensing units by conduits 14through which electric wires pass which operatively relate the consoleto the dispensing units.

Each dispensing unit has therein a pump driven by an electric motor anda conduit connects the pump with the: hose 16 which terminates in adispensing nozzle 18. The conduit for each dispensing unit has a metertherein and the meter drives a' quantity indicator and, via a computeror gear change mechanism, operates a cost indicator. The quantityindicator and cost indicator, together with a price per unit quantityindicator are mounted in the dispensing unit, for example, in a panelgenerally indicated at 20.-

The suction side of the pump is connected by piping 22 with a supplytank24 which may, in the usual manner, be provided with afilling opening 26and a vent pipe 28.

The control circuit for the electric motor in each dispensing unit isunder the control of the console and the indicators in the dispensingunit actuate corresponding indicators in the console by-supplyingelectric pulses thereto and which pulses are conveyed from therespective unit to the control station by wires passing throughtheconduits 14.

In operation, when fuel is to be drawn from a dispensing unit, theoperator at the console, or control station,

prepares an energizing circuit for the dispensing unit and then, whenthe nozzle 18 is removed from its support hook 30, an on-off switch 32on the unit can be turned to on position and the dispensing of fuelcommenced. After the fuel dispensing is completed the switch 32 isreturned to its of position and the nozzle is replaced on its hook 30and the fuel can then be paid for in accordance with the amountregistered on the appropriate indicating device at the console. Furtherfuel cannot be withdrawn from any particular dispensing unit afterswitch 32 is returned to off position until the unit is again enabled bythe operator at the remote control station or console 12.

As mentioned, a particular feature of the present invention resides inthe arrangement whereby, once a dispensing unit is enabled from theconsole 12, turning of the switch 32 back into off" position after oncehaving turned it on. will not effect enabling of the dispensing unit. Itis only when the dispensing of fuel is initiated by opening the nozzle12- that the dispensing unit becomes locked-in and, thereafter, theenabling of the dispensing unit continues only so long as fuel is beingdispensed. When the dispensing of fuel is interrupted and the switch 32is again turned to off position, the respective dispensing unit will bedisabled until it is again enabled from the console for a new fueldispensing operation.

The circuit by means of which the dispensing unit is controlled isschematically illustrated in FIG. 2 in which the components of thedispensing unitare at the left side and the components pertaining to theconsole are at the right side. The power lines which supply power forthe system are indicated at L1 and L2 at the top of FIG. 2 and theselines lead through a key operated switch 40 from which passes a firstline 42 and a second line 44 corresponding to power lines L1 and L2respectively.

Line 42 has therein a fuse 46 and a manual power onpower off switch 48which, after the key operated switch 40 is operated can be closed toenable the entire system.

Turning for the moment to'the dispensing unit, the

pump thereof is indicated at 50 and is connected for being driven by theelectric motor Ml. A conduit 52 leads from the pump to the nozzle anddisposed in conduit 52 is a meter 54 and a normally closed valve 56adapted for being operated into open position by energization of asolenoid S1. Valve 56 is not essential when a pump supplies a singledispenser because deenergization of the pump motor will halt deliveryfrom the dispensor. When a pump supplies more than one dispenser then avalve is included in each dispenser and the control of the dischargefrom each dispenser is effected by the respective valve.

The meter is mechanically connected to the quantity indicator 58 todrive the indicator when the meter is driven by fuel pumpedtherethrough. Indicator 58 is operable for supplying electric pulses toa wire 60 in conformity with the quantity of fuel passing through meter54. Meter 54 is also drivingly connected to a computer mechanism 62 andwhich, in turn, drives a money pulser 64 which supplies an electricpulse for each unit of fuel dispensed which is worth a-predeterminedamount. Money pulser 64 may be embodied directly in a cost indicator.

The cost and quantity indicators may, for example, comprise rotarydrum-like members bearing indicia and the pulses may comprise magnets onthe rotary members which coact with stationary magnetically operatedswitches as the rotary members rotate.

The computer is connected with a reset motor M2 which is operable whenenergized for resetting the computer to a zero position.

The aforementioned onoff switch 32 has associated therewith switchblades S3, S4, S5, and S6. The blades are not positively connected tothe switch lever but are indirectly controlled thereby.

The motor MI is connected to power lines L1 and L2 by a relay'34 havingan energizing coil 66. Connected to wire 44 is another wire 68 which isconnected to the blade of switch S3 and also to one side of energizingcoil 66 of the motor relay 34 and also to one side of sowhen actuated toon position and with a terminal 74 on which switch blade S5 closes whenactuated to on position. The side of relay coil 66 opposite itsconnection to wire 68 is connected to a wire 76 which leads to thecontrol console to be described hereinafter. Wire 76 is also connectedwith a terminal 718 pertaining to switch blade S6 on which switch bladeS6 closes when switch 32 is in its on position.

The money pulser when energized and operating supplies pulses to a wire80 leading to the console unit.

A further connection is made by a wire 82 to the blades of switches S4,S5, and S6 and leads back to the control console.

Turning now to the remote control console, when switch 48 is closed,after key switch 40 is in closed position power line Ll will beconnected to wire 84 via wire 42, fuse 46, and switch 48. Wire 84 leadsto contacts 86, 88, on one side of a two-sided manual switch generallydesignated 92 and which also has contacts 90 and 94 on the same side ascontacts 86 and 88. On the opposite side the switch comprises contacts96, 98, 100, and 102. The switch has a first contact bar 104 thatnormally bridges between contacts 86 and 88 but bridge between contacts88 and 90. On the other side of the switch there is a contact bar 106which normally bridges between contact 98 and 100 but interrupts theinterconnection of these contacts when moved in either direction awayfrom the rest position in which it is illustrated.

Contact 94 is connected with one side of a normally closed blade K2a ofa relay K2 and also with one side of a normally open blade Kla of arelay K]. The opposite side of blade K2a is connected with one side of acapacitor C1, the opposite side of which isconnected to wire 44, andwith one side of the energizing coil of relay K1, the other side ofwhich is also connected to wire 44.

Preceding on down the diagram of FIG. 2, wire 84 is connected through aresistor 108 with the one side of a diode DI, the other side of which isconnected with one side of the normally closed blade Klb of relay K1,the other side of which is connected with one side of a normally openblade Klc of relay Kl. The other side of blade Klc is connected with oneside of a reset coil 110 and the other side of which is connected withline 44. The side of blade Klb opposite D1 is also connected with oneside of the capacitor C2, the other side with which is connected withline 44.

Contacts 86 and 88 on the left side of switch 92 are interconnected andboth are connected with power line 84. On the other side of the switch,contact 98 is connected with the side of blade Kla opposite contact 94and also with one side of a normally open blade Kld of relay K1, theother side of which is connected to a wire 112 which is connected topower line 84 and which is also connected to one side of a power onsignal lamp 114. The other side of lamp 114 is connected to wire 44.

Wire 112 is also connected to one side of a normally open blade K2b ofrelay K2, the other side of which is connected to line 82 leading to therespective dispensing unit and also to terminal 90 and also to contact100 of switch 92. Still further, contact 100 of switch 92 is connectedto one side of a normally closed blade K2e .6 of relay K2, the otherside of which is connected through a ready lamp 116 with line 44.

The aforementioned wire 76 leading from the dispensing unit is connectedto one side of a normally open blade K2d of relay K2 with the other sideof the blade being connected to one side of the energizing coil of relayK2, the other side of which is connected with line 44. The side of relayK2 opposite line 44 is also connected to one side of a normally openblade Kle of relay K1, the other side of which is connected to wireleading from the money pulser 64 in the dispensing unit. Wire 80 is alsoconnected to one side ofa still further blade K2e of relay K2, the otherside of which is connected through a resistor 118 which one side of acount coil 120, the other side of which is connected to line 44.

Wire 60 leading from the quantity pulser 58 is connected via a resistor121 to one side of a quantity indicator actuating coil 122, the otherside of which is connected to line 44. Coil 122 controls a counter 123.

The count coil 120 is connected to an indicator or counter 124 and thiscounter is operatively connected to the aforementioned reset coil andwhich is also connected to the counter 123 pertaining to count coil 122so that energization of reset coil 1 10 will reset both of the counterspertaining to the quantity of fuel dispensed and the cost thereof backto zero.

A particular feature of the present invention is to be found in theprovision of capacitor C2 which, while the circuit is in the conditionillustrated and with switch 48 closed, will charge up through diode D1.Upon energization of relay K1, however, blade Klb thereof will open thusinterrupting the charging circuit to the capacitor while blade Klc willclose to connect capacitor C2 across reset coil 110. The capacitor is ofample size to insure that the reset coil will remain energized for ampletime completely to reset both the money counter and the quantity counterin the console to zero. Heretofore, actuation of the enabling switcheffected energization of the reset coil and, on occasion, the enablingswitch was operated so quickly that the reset coil was not energized fora long enough time to effect complete resetting of the countenThecircuit of the present invention completely avoids this and insures thatwhenever a dispensing unit is enabled, the counters in the controlconsole which pertain thereto will be reset to zero.

OPERATION In operation, assuming that switch 40 is in closed positionand switch 48 is in closed position, a fuel dispensing unit is enabledby the operator in the control console moving the moveable element ofthe pertaining switch 92 upwardly and then releasing the switch elementwhere upon it will return to the position indicated in FIG. 2. v

When the switch element is moved upwardly, power is supplied fromcontact 86 thereof to contact 94 and this will effect energization ofrelay Kl which will bring about closing of its blades Kla, Klc, Kld, andKle with simultaneous opening of its blade Klbv As mentioned previously,the opening of blade Klb to interrupt the charging circuit to capacitorC2, and the closing of blade Klc to connect the capacitor C2 acrossreset coil 1 10 will energize reset coil 110 and effect setting of themoney value and quantity counters or indicators in the console stationto zero.

The closing of blade Kl-d establishes a supply of power from wire 84'andwire 112 through blade Kld to contact 98 of switch 92 and therefrom tocontact 100 of the said switch andthen to wire 82 which is, as mentioned, connected to the blades of switches S4, S5, and S6.

Simultaneously, there is a supply of power through relay blade K2c tothe ready lamp 116 indicating that the dispensing unit can now beoperated. The adjusting of the switch element of switch 92 has thusestablished, 3

or prepared, 'an energizing circuit for the dispensing gization of motorM2 by the supply of current from wire 68 through the blade of switch S3,motor M2, the

blade of switch S4, and back to energized wire 82. The

computer now operates to set all of the mechanisms pertaining thereto,such as the cost and quantity indicators, back to zero and when this isaccomplished switch S4 is actuated into the position wherein it willrest on contact 72 while simultaneously interrupting the energizingcircuit to motor M2. When switch S4 closes on contact 72, power becomesavailable from wire 82 to switch blade S2, to the money pulser, to thegallons pulser, and also to one side of solenoid Sl ofvalve 56.

At the same time that switch blade S4 was operated into engagement withcontact 72, switch blades S5 and S6 were operated into engagement withtheir respective contacts, 78 and 74. Contact 74 is interconnected withcontact 72 of switch S4, while contact 78 of switch S5 is connected towire 76 which, as mentioned, leads to one side of the relay coil 66 forthe main motor relay. When switch S5 closes on contact 78 the relay willbe energized and motor Ml will be energized and the pump will commenceto rotate and thereby develop pressure on the downstream side thereof.

Since the pump motor M1 and valve solenoid S1 are energized at the sametime, either one is effective for controlling delivery from therespective dispenser. Thus, when a dispenser has a respective pump, acontrol valve is not essential and when a single pump supplies more thanone dispenser, each dispenser has a control valve and the pump is notnecessarily started and stopped when a dispenser operates.

From the foregoing it will be seen that opening and closing of switch 32will have no effect whatsoever on the condition of readiness of thedispenser. This is in contrast with previously known arrangements whereimproper movement of the switch would interrupt the prepared energizingcircuit and require resetting of the system by the operator at thecontrol console. With the arrangement of the present invention thisnever occurs and the energizing circuit for a respective dispensing unitwill remain in prepared condition until the dispensing of fuel from theunit is commenced.

. Assuming now that the nozzle is placed in a tank and is opened, fuelwill commence toflow from the pump through meter 54 and valve 56 to thenozzle. When meter 54 commences to rotate the computer 62 is driven andthis, in turn, drives the money pulser 64. The first money pulsesupplied to wire 80 by pulser 64 will be routed through the closed bladeKle of relay Kl to one side of the coil of relay K2, the other side ofwhich, as mentioned, is connected to wire 44. This will immediatelyenergize relay K2 and being about opening of its blades K2a and K2c andthe simultaneous closing of its blades K2b, K2d, and K2e. When blade K2ecloses, the remainder of the first pulse supplied to wire 80 is suppliedto count coil 120 and registers a count on counter 124. Closing of bladeK2d establishes a holding circuit for the coil of relay K2 and whichholding circuit, it will be evident, leads to contact 78 of switch S5 sothat whenever the blade of switch S5 moves to open position, relay K2will drop out. The opening of blade K2c of relay K2 extinguishes theready light 116 showing that the respective dispensing unit is inoperation.

Opening of blade K2a interrupts the energizing circuit for relay Klpermitting its blades Kla, Klc, Kld,

and Kle to open while closing its blade K1b. The deenergization of therelay Kl would normally interrupt the supply of energy to wire 82 but,due to the provision of capacitor C1, the energization of relay K2brings about closing of its blade K2b before blade K1d opens so that,through blade K2b, wire 82'is connected to wire 112 and, therethrough,to wire 84 thus maintaining the energizing circuit to the respectivedispensing unit without interruption.

At this point, the condensor C2 pertaining to reset coil 100 is chargingand the dispensing of fuel will continue until interrupted by closing ofthe nozzle. Thereafter, when switch 32 is turned to its off position, asup ply of power is again initiated to computer reset motor M2 and thismechanism operates until switch S3 again opens. At this time the bladesof switches-S5 and S6 also return to the position in which they areillustrated in FIG. 2 thereby removing power from the quantity pulser 58andfrom the money pulser 64 and from the solenoid S1 of valve 56. Theholding circuit to relay K2 is also interrupted by the movement ofswitch blade S5 off contact 78 and also the main motor relay coil 66 isat this time de-energized. The dispensing unit is now in idle anddisabled condition and cannot be actuated until the operator at theconsole again adjusts the moveable element of switch 92 in theaforementioned manner.

The arrangement also provides for manual operation of the dispensingunit under emergency conditions and this can be effected by moving theadjustable element .of switch 92 downwardly to bridge contacts 88 and 90and to interrupt the connection between contacts 98 and 100. When aconnection is established between contacts 88 and 90, wire 84 will beconnected directly with wire 82 and this will permit operation ofthedispensing unit without availing of the interlock means made up ofrelays K1 and K2 and the blades pertaining thereto.

Modifications may be made within the scope of the 3 and into offposition to interrupt said energizing circuit and disable said unit atthe end of fuel dispensing, a money pulser in said unit operable todevelop an electric pulse for each unit of fuel dispensed of apredetermined value, and interlock means in said control stationconnected in said energizing circuit and actuated by the first pulsefrom said money pulser and operable when so actuated to make said manualswitch ineffective in respect of enabling said energizing circuit priorto return of said on-off switch to off position.

2. A dispensing system according to claim 1 in which said interlockmeans includes a first relay energized by operation of said manualswitch and operable when energized to prepare said energizing circuitwhile also closing a holding circuit for itself, and a second relayenergized by said first money pulse and operable when energized todeenergize said first relay while simultaneously maintaining theenergizing circuit prepared by said first relay.

3. A dispensing system according to claim 2 which includes a holdingcircuit for said second relay which is prepared by movement of saidon-off switch on said unit to on position and which is completed by saidsecond relay upon energization thereof.

4. A dispensing system according to claim 2 which includes a valueindicator at said control station adapted for actuation by pulses fromsaid money to the enabling of the dispensing unit, and means forconnecting the capacitor across the coil at the time of enabling thedispensing unit.

7. A dispensing system according to claim 6 in which said capacitor isconnected to said source of charging voltage via a diode poled towardsaid capacitor.

8. A dispensing system according to claim 2 which includes meansoperable to delay opening of said first relay upon deenergizationthereof to provide ample time for said second relay to close and therebyinsure that said energizing circuit will be maintained.

9. A dispensing system according to claim 8 in which said flow controlmeans comprises a normally closed valve, and a solenoid energizable toopen said valve, said solenoid also being connected to said energizingcircuit.

10. A dispensing system according to claim 8 which includes meansresponsive to movement of said on-off switch to on position when saidenergizing circuit is prepared for setting said computer to zeroposition, and means responsive to the computer reading the zero positionthereof for completing said energizing circuit to said flow controlmeans.

11. A dispensing system according to claim 8 in which said dispensingunit comprises a quantity pulser driven by said meter and operable todevelop electric pulses in conformity with the amount of fuel passingthrough said meter, a quantity indicator in said control stationconnected to be actuated by pulses from said quantity pulser, saidquantity pulser being connected to said energizing circuit so as tobecome effective upon completion of said energizing circuit.

12. A dispensing system according to claim 1 in which said manual switchincludes a manual position -wherein said energizing circuit is prepareddirectly without the intervention of said interlock means.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3 858758 Dated January 7 1975 Inventor(s) Larry A. NEW

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent andthat said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

The following claim was .omitted from the patent:

"A dispensing system according to Claim 1 in which said dispensing unitcomprises flow control means in the form of at least one of anelectrically operated pump and an electrically operated valve, a meterthrough which the pumped fuel passes a computer driven by the meter,said money pulser being driven by said computer, an energizing circuitfor said flow control means, said energizing circuit being connected toand under the control of said money pulser,

Signed and Scaled this ninth Day Of September 1975 [SEAL] Arrest:

RUTH C. MASON c. MARSHALL DANN Arresting Officer (mnmissiuner nfPaIentsand Trademarks

1. In a post-pay fuel dispensing system; and electrically operateddispenser unit and a control station remote therefrom, a momentarymanual switch in said control station operable to prepare an energizingcircuit for said unit thereby to enable said unit to dispense fuel, anon-off switch on the unit connected into said energizing circuit andoperable into ''''on'''' position to complete said energizing circuitprior to fuel dispensing and into ''''off'''' position to interrupt saidenergizing circuit and disable said unit at the end of fuel dispensing,a money pulser in said unit operable to develop an electric pulse foreach unit of fuel dispensed of a predetermined value, and interlockmeans in said control station connected in said energizing circuit andactuated by the first pulse from said money pulser and operable when soactuated to make said manual switch ineffective in respect of enablingsaid energizing circuit prior to return of said on-off switch to''''off'''' position.
 2. A dispensing system according to claim 1 inwhich said interlock means includes a first relay energized by operationof said manual switch and operable when energized to prepare saidenergizing circuit while also closing a holding circuit for itself, anda second relay energized by said first money pulse and operable whenenergized to deenergize said first relay while simultaneouslymaintaining the energizing circuit prepared by said first relay.
 3. Adispensing system according to claim 2 which includes a holding circuitfor said second relay which is prepared by movement of said on-offswitch on said unit to ''''on'''' position and which is completed bysaid second relay upon energization thereof.
 4. A dispensing systemaccording to claim 2 which includes a value indicator at said controlstation adapted for actuation by pulses from said money pulser, andmeans operated by energization of said second relay for connecting saidvalue indicator to said money pulser.
 5. A dispensing system accordingto claim 4 which includes resetting means responsive to the enabling ofsaid dispensing unit for resetting the value indicating means at saidcontrol station to zero.
 6. A dispensing system according to claim 5 inwhich said resetting means comprises a coil energizable for effectingsaid resetting, a capacitor, means for connecting the capacitor to asource of charging voltage prior to the enabling of the dispensing unit,and means for connecting the capacitor across the coil at the time ofenabling the dispensing unit.
 7. A dispensing system according to claim6 in which said capacitor is connected to said source of chargingvoltage via a diode poled toward said capacitor.
 8. A dispensing systemaccording to claim 2 which includes means operable to delay opening ofsaid first relay upon deenergization thereof to provide ample time forsaid second relay to close and thereby insure that said Energizingcircuit will be maintained.
 9. A dispensing system according to claim 1in which said dispensing unit comprises flow control means in the formof at least one of an electrically operated pump and an electricallyoperated valve, a meter through which the pumped fuel passes, a computerdriven by the meter, said money pulser being driven by said computer, anenergizing circuit for said flow control means, said energizing circuitbeing connected to and under the control of said money pulser.
 10. Adispensing system according to claim 9 in which said flow control meanscomprises a normally closed valve, and a solenoid energizable to opensaid valve, said solenoid also being connected to said energizingcircuit.
 11. A dispensing system according to claim 9 which includesmeans responsive to movement of said on-off switch to ''''on''''position when said energizing circuit is prepared for setting saidcomputer to zero position, and means responsive to the computer readingthe zero position thereof for completing said energizing circuit to saidflow control means.
 12. A dispensing system according to claim 9 inwhich said dispensing unit comprises a quantity pulser driven by saidmeter and operable to develop electric pulses in conformity with theamount of fuel passing through said meter, a quantity indicator in saidcontrol station connected to be actuated by pulses from said quantitypulser, said quantity pulser being connected to said energizing circuitso as to become effective upon completion of said energizing circuit.13. A dispensing system according to claim 1 in which said manual switchincludes a ''manual'' position wherein said energizing circuit isprepared directly without the intervention of said interlock means.